Linton P. Gordon
Much has been said in recent times about the growing crime situation in St. Ann and in the Ocho Rios area in particular. During these discussions it is “Hard Crimes” such as murder, rape, robbery and shooting that are discussed. The “soft crime” of prostitution is now widespread in St. Ann and in particular in the Ocho Rios, Salem and Runaway Bay areas. One wonders if the law enforcement authorities no longer pay attention to this crime. Ladies of the Night dominate the Salem strip, going down to Runaway Bay. No longer do they stay on the back streets or in the dark. They are upfront and in your face and they have an aggressive sales pitch. They are fearless as they go about announcing the product they have for sale. It appears that the largest concentration of Ladies of the Night is to be found in the Ocho Rios area. No longer are these ladies remaining on James Avenue or in Old Buckfield. Instead they have taken over the main streets in Ocho Rios and at nights they dominate the Ocho Rios landscape in such a way that everywhere one travels in downtown Ocho Rios one comes across Ladies of the Night. The evidence of used condoms and tissue seen at day break in every corner and beside every building indicates that these ladies are selling their product on the streets and not at guest houses and hotels. This is a clear indication that these activities are being carried on at a level that constitutes a serious health risk and the real possibility of the spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD).
Graham Street, Milford Road, Newlin Street, DaCosta Drive, Evelyn Street, Short Lane and lower Main Street are all areas in Ocho Rios that Ladies of the Night have take over after 9:00pm. Prostitution is known as the oldest profession and it is not likely that it will go away soon from Ocho Rios. Prostitution may be a result of economic hardship or the urge to make quick and easy money. Whatever the reason, for these ladies to have embarked upon a life of Prostitution, there is an urgent need for the authorities to address the matter, if for no other reason than the health risk involved. There are also several young women involved, especially in the Runaway Bay area, who appear to be under the age of sixteen (16) and therefore should come to the attention of the authorities. Like the use of hard drugs, prostitution can only exist and continue to exist because there is a demand. It follows that the buyers of the services being offered by the Ladies of the Night are no less to be blamed than the Ladies of the Night themselves. The social services should become involved in a collective effort by various Government Authorities to conduct a survey among these ladies, to see where they are from and to understand their social background. The survey should seek to determine how and why they become involved in prostitution and how, if at all, they can be rescued and redirected to a path of productivity where they no longer indulge in prostitution as a means of earning a living.
